Dr. Willis's practice of physick being the whole works of that renowned and famous physician wherein most of the diseases belonging to the body of man are treated of, with excellent methods and receipts for the cure of the same : fitted to the meanest capacity by an index for the explaining of all the hard and unusual words and terms of art derived from the Greek, Latine, or other languages for the benefit of the English reader : with forty copper plates.

CHAP. IX. Of the Palsie.

THE middle of the Brain, or the Callous Body, to which we have assigned the seat of the Vertigo and Apoplexy, seems also to be the primary distemper'd * 1.1 place in the Epilepsie: Concerning which, as also concerning Convulsie Dis∣eases, since we have elsewhere largely treated, we shall therefore here pass over pur∣posely in this part of the Diseases belonging to the Head, and according to our wonted method, descend yet lower, to the other regions of the Brain, and its depen∣dences; and now we shall endeavour next to describe the Distempers which belong to the Streaked Bodies, Oblong Marrow, and also to the Nerves, and nervous Fibres.

We have formerly shewed, that these parts do perform all the functions belonging * 1.2 to motion and sense; wherefore, the failing or the enormities of these, are the af∣fections of those Bodies, or of the Spirits inhabiting them. But indeed sense and mo∣tion are hurt chiefly after two manner of ways: to wit, either is wont to be per∣verted or hindred; when Motion is perverted, Cramps and Convulsions; when Sense, pain arises; when either function or both together is hindred or abolished, the Di∣stemper is thence stirred up called the Palsie; which we are at present about to han∣dle. Concerning Convulsion and Pain we have already treated.

The Palsie is described after this manner, to wit, That it is a resolution, loosening, * 1.3 or relaxation of the nervous parts, from their due tensity or stiffness; by which means Mo∣tion

and Sense, to wit, either one only, or both together, in the whole Body, or in some parts, cannot be exercised after their due manner.

The nervous parts are loosened, because the Animal Spirits do not sufficiently ir∣radiate * 1.4 them, nor blow them up, nor actuate them with vigor. The cause of which defect is, either an obstruction of the ways, by which their trajection or passage is hindred; or the impotency of the Animal Spirits, for that they are distempered with a numness, or that being but few in number they do not lively enough unfold them∣selves. By reason of these various means of being affected, there arise diverse kinds of Palsies. For in the first place, as to motion by it self, this spontaneous faculty (which is chiefly and almost only lyable to the Palsie) is sometimes taken away in the whole, or altogether in some parts; but sometimes this, being only hindred, is lesse∣ned or depraved. Secondly, In like manner also one sense only by it self, or more to∣gether, * 1.5 is sometimes wholly taken away, and sometimes only much diminished or vi∣tiated. Thirdly, Sometimes it happens that both powers are hurt at once. We shall speak of each of these in their order; and first of the Palsie, in which spontaneous motion is abolished; which we say is excited from two causes chiefly; to wit, the ways being obstructed, and the Animal Spirits being touched with a numness, or as it were with a certain malignant blast.

As to the former, an interception of the Spirits from the loosned parts, by reason * 1.6 of their passages being obstructed, that always existing above them, is wont to be caused in various places, and for divers causes; but chiefly it happens in the first sensory, viz. in the Streaked Bodies, or some where about the Medullar Trunks, or lastly in the Nerves themselves; and so, either in their beginnings, or middle processes, or in their extreme ends, (i. e.) the nervous Fibres. When the evil or hurt is brought to the Streaked Bodies, or the oblong, or spinal Marrow, it either ob∣structs the whole Medullar thread or rope, from whence arises an universal Palsie be∣low the distemper'd part; or one moiety of it, whence comes the Hemiplegia or Pal∣sie of one side; or it affects in one side, or in both at once, the little heads of some Nerves, whence loosnings or resolutions are caused in this or that member apart from the others.

There are many means whereby the ways or passages of the Animal Spirits are ob∣structed * 1.7 in the aforesaid bodies. First, Either their passages are filled by an extra∣neous matter impacted in them: Or, Secondly, They are pressed together by Blood flowing out of the Vessels, a Serous deluge, or some Tumor lying upon them: Or, Thirdly and lastly, the unity or continuity is broken, as by a stroke, or wound, or bruise, also by excess of cold or heat. According as these several places are distem∣per'd, and the several means of their being affected, we shall run thorow the chief cases of the Palsie, together with the Aetiology, or reason thereof, with the ma∣nifold appearances of Symptoms in them; and in the first place we will speak of the Palsie arising from an hurt brought to the common Sensory, to wit, the Streaked Bodies.

And indeed, that it so comes to pass, I have proved by ocular inspection, and * 1.8 shall be plainly demonstrated anon by Anatomical observation. Further, as often as an universal or an half Palsie follows, (as it is often wont to do) upon a Lethargy the Carus, or Apoplexy, any one may conceive, that such a change of the Disease, hap∣pens from a translation of the Morbific matter; for that this at length going out of the Pores and passages of the Callous Body, which it at first possest, and sinking down a little lower, runs into the Medullary tracts of one of the Streaked Bodies or perhaps both of them. And so, when the Animal Spirits are hindred from their wonted out-flowing, or irradiation into the nervous Stock, the motive faculty on∣ly, or (if the obstruction be very great) both this, together with the sensitive, is hindred.

I have sometimes observed in a Palsie, coming after a grievous fit of some other Disease, that all the moving parts, of either side, have been loosened after a more light manner: For though they were not able to perform the more strong motive en∣deavours, yet for the most part they could extend, bend, yea and move their mem∣bers hither and thither, to wit, because the Morbific matter being diffused abroad, thorow both the Streaked Bodies, had not so closely filled every where all the pas∣sages: Moreover, on the contrary, I have known in a Palsie of one side, so suddenly excited, that there has been a far greater resolution, so that they so struck, were not able to move any way hand or foot, nor any other member on the distemper'd side. Further, sometimes it happens, from the Morbific matter being copiously fallen down, and obstructing closely all the Medullary tracts of one of the Streaked Bodies, that all the respective parts, have not only been destitute of motion, but some of

them also of sense; so that some members felt not any painful impression, how vehe∣ment so ever it was. Such a Distemper happening in a lesser degree, is wont to ex∣cite a sense of numness, or pricking or tingling, such as in members lean'd or lain upon.

If it be demanded, why sense is not always hindred as well as motion in every Pal∣sie, * 1.9 since as it seems either is performed by the same Nerves and Fibres, within the same Medullary tracts, so that one faculty is only the inversion of the other? as to this we may say, that as light beams thorow glass, when wind is excluded, so also sense being safe, oftentimes motion is lost. Besides, sense is only a passion, and a sensible impression, which is propagated from the organ, by a continuity of the ner∣vous process, to the common sensory, without any endeavour or labour of the Spi∣rits; which may be done, though the common sensory be in some measure obstruct∣ed, and the Spirits inhabiting it benummed: But motion is a difficult and laborious action, to which is required, that the Spirits expand or stretch out themselves lively, and not only put forth as it were explosive endeavours in the moving organs, but chiefly about the parts, where the beginning of the motion and its first force is, and from thence, in the whole passage thorow the nervous parts. Wherefore, as but a few Spirits and bound, suffice for sense; many, free, and expeditious as to their expansi∣ons, are required for motion.

But that the Morbific matter being slid down into the Streaked Body, the Muscles * 1.10 of the Eyes, Mouth, and Face, do still retain their motions; it is because that some of them, about the beginning of the Spinal Marrow, below all the Nerves, arising from the oblong Marrow, have their place of obstruction; I say, that it is so, because the Nerves destinated to the aforesaid Muscles, (the motions of which are stirred up by natural instincts) and brought from the fifth and sixth pair, even as the Nerves serving the Praecordia and Viscera, derive chiefly the influences of the Animal Spirits from the Cerebel; whose regiment, though the Streaked Body be distemper'd, remains often unhurt.

Not only an obstruction of the Streaked Body, but also a compression sometimes * 1.11 causes the Palsie, as shall be shewed by and by from Anatomical observation; to wit, when the blood is extravasated, and growing cloddery within the inferior cavity of the Brain (and perhaps a Serous deluge is there heaped up) and doth lie heavily up∣on the Streaked Body, and press it together, so that for that reason, the Medullary tracts being bound together, are hindred from the Spirits flowing into them.

Next after the Streaked Bodies, the seat of the Morbific Cause is in the oblong * 1.12 and spinal Marrow; also sometimes in these, though rarely an obstruction, but more often a compression, or a solution of the unity, excite the Palsie.

As to the former, it is not probable, that great plenty of Morbific matter should be sent from the Brain, into this or that part together and in heaps; for such a great and sudden flux hardly happens beyond the streaked Bodies. But it may be suspected, that Narcotick or otherways deadly Particles, being forthwith poured forth into the Brain, and from thence thrust forth into its appendix, doth at first stick within the more narrow spaces of the Medullary Trunk, and then by degrees being heaped up, causes the Paralytick obstruction, whilst these Particles are carried in the Brain here and there, in the Callous or Streaked Bodies they stir up frequent Vertigoes, and mists before the eyes, and sometimes in the motive parts short numnesses; but these being by degrees heaped up together within the Trunk of the oblong Marrow, or the spinal, foras∣much as they possess all or part of its passage, and by that means either obstruct all the Pores of the Spirits at once, or some ranks or orders of them, they bring forth either an half Palsie, or a loosening of some members, sometimes the superior, some∣times the inferior.

I have observed in many, that when, the Brain being first indisposed, they have been distemper'd with a dullness of mind, and forgetfulness, and afterwards with a * 1.13 stupidity and foolishness, after that, have fallen into a Palsie, which I often did pre∣dict; to wit, the Morbific matter being by degrees fallen down, and at length being heaped up some where within the Medullar Trunk, (where the Marrowy Tracts are more straitned than in the Streaked Body) to a stopping fulness. For according as the places obstructed are more or less large, so either an universal Palsie, or an half Palsie of one side, or else some partial resolutions of members happen.

But in either Marrow, and especially the Spinal, an interception or inhibition * 1.14 of the Spirits, creating a Palsie, most often happens from a compression, or a break∣ing of the unity: The extravasated Blood, or the Corruption flowing from the bro∣ken Imposthum, and perhaps a Serous deluge being deposited within the hollowness of the Back-bone; yea also an hard Tumor, being risen somewhere in it, by pressing

together the marrowy rope, shuts up the ways of the Spirits. Further, either a stroke, wound, or bruise of the Head, or spine; yea and a distortion of this latter, do of∣ten pervert or break off the Marrowy Tracts; yea an excess of cold taken in Frost and * 1.15 Snow, straitens and stops up the passages of the Spirits. Those kind of cases, and instances, being obvious enough to common observation, there will not be any need here to speak of them particularly, or to unfold them more largely.

Thirdly, The Morbific cause being sometimes planted lower, possesses either the * 1.16 greater Trunks, or the lesser shoots of the Nerves themselves; and that likewise is either an obstruction or a compression, or a breaking of the unity, by reason of any of these ways, and according to the like means of affecting, within the nervous pas∣sages, as in the marrowy, it is wont to be excited.

The oppilative or stopping Particles being fallen down, from the Brain, and carri∣ed forward into the oblong Marrow, enter into the Nerves, destinated to the Mus∣cles of some parts of the Face, and by obstructing the ways of the Spirits in them, bring forth the Palsie in the Tongue, and sometimes a loosening in these or those * 1.17 Muscles of the Eyes, Eye-lids, Lips, and of other parts; and then by reason of the con∣trary * 1.18 Muscles being contracted beyond measure, they stir up a Cramp or Convulsion in the opposite part.

Nor is it less usual, for the same Particles, for that they are fewer, to be carried yet further, without any great hurt into the Spinal Marrow; and lastly going forth from it, to run sometimes into the several Trunks of the Nerves, and sometimes into some handfuls of them; and for that reason, to induce the Palsie to the several Muscles or members, or in some of them only. As often as for this cause, the Mus∣cles of one side of the Neck are resolved, or loosened, the other opposite being too much contracted, render the Neck twisted or awry. It ordinarily happens, by rea∣son of some private Nerves being so obstructed, for some Fingers of the Hand, or Toes of the Feet to be loosened. But if many handfuls of Nerves together happen to be stopped, a Palsie follows, oftentimes in the whole Arm or Thigh. It would be too tedious to mention every case here, by which the Nerves are wont to be stopped, about their beginnings, middle processes, or utmost ends, to wit, the Membranaceous or Musculous Fibres, by reason of compression, or breaking of the continuity, and so * 1.19 deny the exercise of the moving faculty to the respective parts: The reasons of these kind of Distempers are so clear and manifest, and so commonly known, that * 1.20 it would be superfluous to insist on the opening them any longer. But we shall ra∣ther pass to the other conjunct cause of the Palsie, which more immediately affecting the Animal Spirits, and sometimes striking down, and as it were extinguishing them, by mere contact, or as it were by a malignant blast, brings in a resolution or loosening in the respective parts.

What we before affirmed in the Apoplexy, we now again do the same in the Palsie, that there are deadly Particles, not only oppilative or stopping, but sometimes Nar∣cotick * 1.21 or Stupesactive, and as it were extinguishers of the Spirits; which kind of af∣fection, if it be strong, causes sometimes Paralytick Symptoms, without any great ob∣struction of the ways. The breath or steams of Antimony, Mercury, or Auripig∣ment, often causes weaknesses, tremblings, and loosening of the Members, in such as are long conversant among the Furnaces of Chymists, and of Metals. We may in like manner believe, that in some Scorbutick and very Cacochymical people, heteroge∣neous Particles, and as it seems of a Vitriolick nature (passing thorow the Brain, and its marrowy appendix) do enter into the nervous passages, together with their watering Juice, and cast down some handfuls of the Spirits in them, or suppress their motion. Hence suddenly arise stupors, numness, or looseness in the Members, or Muscles, sometimes in these, sometimes in those, and soon after vanishing in one place, presently spring up again in another: But at length, when these sort of Particles be∣ing abundantly poured forth into the Nerves, and laid up in heaps, they become variously fixed here and there; and moreover, shut up the ways of the Spirits, and so cause a fixed and permanant Palsie. And indeed, in every Palsie, made by obstru∣ction, * 1.22 the Morbific matter is not thick and cold Phlegm, (as Galen and many other Physicians have asserted) for such doth not pass thorow the Brain, much less the nervous passages; but it seems to consist of most subtil and very active Particles, though in∣festous or deadly to the animal regiment: But indeed the Palsie happens in Men, no otherwise than the blasting, or burning, or withering in Trees; because some winds being indued with very frigid or cold blasts, to wit, with a Nitrous or a Vitriolick Spirit, when they blow upon the green and tender sprigs of trees, cause them sudden∣ly * 1.23 to wither, for that the tender stalks like Nerves every where inter-woven with the sprigs and leaves, are bound together by the blast of the malignant air so fully,

that they receive not any more the Juice sent from the Trunk or Root, by reason of which defect they wither. Much after the same manner, extraneous Particles, and as it were Vitriolick, being admitted within the organs of sense and motion, for that they at once bind up the Pores, or cast down or suppress from motion the Animal Spirits, cause in the respective parts, as it were a withering or drying up. But this is not so caused by mere Phlegm, or a Serous flood, as plainly appears, because those indued with a moist and cold Brain, have always their Nose and Eyes moist, with the distillation of a snotty or watry humor; yea those who are troubled with a Drop∣sical Brain, in which the Brain, and the tops of either Marrow do as it were swim in water, are not for that reason disposed to the Palsie, unless by the pressing toge∣ther of the Marrow.

We have hither to described the various cases of the Palsie, and the means by which * 1.24 it is caused, together with their several formal reasons, and conjunct causes. As to what belongs to the other causes of this Disease we must first distinguish, that it is either accidental or habitual: The former happens to some, from a solitary evident cause, such as a stroke, wound, bruise, and excess of either heat or cold, without any pre∣vious disposition; and besides this, and the conjunct cause, which for the most part is a compression, or breach of the unity, it hath none: The habitual Palsie depends upon a Procatartick cause, which is always an extraneous, and as it were a Vitriolick matter begotten somewhere before, and heaped up, which being from thence suffused into the organs of sense and motion, for that it stops up the marrowy or nervous Tracts or sometimes profligates the Spirits by mere contact, or effects both together, brings forth loosenings in the respective parts, by reason of the influence of the Spirits be∣ing deny'd them.

This kind of Procatarxis or foregoing Cause, depends upon a twofold antecedent * 1.25 or secret leading cause, to wit, one remote, which is a vicious Blood, carrying to the Head a Morbific matter, either begotten in it self, or taken from the Bowels, or some other place; and the other more near, which is an indisposed Brain, to wit, weak, and too lax or loose, or otherways evilly made, and so easily admitting heteroge∣neous, or strange and deadly Particles.

The Morbific matter being brought to the Brain, sometimes induces the Palsie * 1.26 primarily, but more often secondarily, and not but after other Diseases first ex∣cited.

The reason of the former, (to wit, that the habitual Palsie be a primary Disease, and by it self) requires these •…•…wo things, viz. That the heterogeneous Particles be disposed chiefly for the causing or stirring up the Palsie; then that they be admitted by degrees, and but in small quantity, for if they enter in great heaps, they would first cause the Carus or Apoplexy: and if they be not of a plain Vitriolick nature or qua∣lity, when having passed thorow the Brain, they come to enter into the organs of Sense and Motion, they would first occasion in them Convulsive and painful Di∣stempers, yea sometimes the Colick, Gout, or Scurvy first, and then at length, the Palsie.

2. The secondary Palsie often succeeds Distempers for the most part Chronical, after * 1.27 the natural and vital faculties being by them very much hurt: a slow and long Feavour, strength being at length worn out, causes oftentimes enervations or resolutions of the whole Body, or of some Members. Long and immoderate sadness, a Consumpti∣on, a Scorbutick Atrophy or wasting, being long fixed in Bed, unhealthy old Age; yea and many other passions, after a notable evil first brought to the Brain, and ner∣vous Stock, at length brings on the Palsie. But indeed this Disease more frequently comes upon some other Distempers, either of the Brain, as chiefly the Carus and Apoplexy, or of the nervous stock, and such chiefly are the Scurvy, Convulsions, Colick, and Gout. By what means it succeeds Cephalick Diseases, we have already shewed in this; and how the Scurvy, in another tract: we shall now inquire how it is often the off-spring of the other three.

1. We have shewn already, that the Spasme or Cramp or Convulsion, doth some∣times * 1.28 bring in the Palsie, to wit, when from contrary or opposite Muscles, being one of them loosened and the other pulled together: Further, it is an usual thing, for those who are long obnoxious to Convulsive Distempers, to suffer at length de∣bilities in some members, and at length resolutions or want of motion. I have known many Epileptical persons, and others troubled with Convulsions, by reason of the motive function being abolished or inhibited, in this or that part, to become at first lame, and then Bed-rid; the reason of which seems to be, because the Morbific matter, being continually admitted within the tracts of the Brain and its appendix, both medullar and nervous, and often thrust forth, doth at length so debilitate and

dilate them, so that it gives an open passage besides to other kind of Particles, either Narcotick or Vitriolick; by reason of which, the Palsie comes after the Convulsion. Further, I have often observed, by reason of the diverse mingling of the Morbific matter, (like as when Rain and Snow happen together) that the sick have at once been infested both with Gonvulsive motions, and the Palsie. A notable example of this, with the reason of it, we have fully described in our Tract of Convulsive Diseases, Chap. IX. p. 115.

2. They who are frequently and grievously obnoxious to the Colick, at length be∣come * 1.29 also Paralytick. The case is so frequent here, that the succession of this Disease is accounted among its prognosticks; for those who are wont to suffer cruel fits of tor∣ments in the Belly, returning by intervals, or are troubled with pains about the Viscera of the Abdomen, cruel and almost continual, at length have wandring pains in their Body and Members, and then afterwards stupors or numness, and lastly resolu∣tions or want of motion. The cause of these effects proceeds, both from the seat of the Disease, and the Morbific matter being changed, to wit, this, which being very small but sharp and irritative, runs only into the Sphlanchnick Nerves, and so by reason of the Fibres of the Viscera being pulled, did stir up in them Cramps and pains; after∣wards becoming more copious, and also duller and Narcotick, pours down thorow the Spinal Marrow, and entering into the Nerves destinated to these or those Mem∣bers or Muscles, brings forth resolutions in the respective parts. We shall more large∣ly shew the reason of this, when we treat of the Colick.

It is a very ordinary observation, that the Palsie comes upon the Gout frequently, * 1.30 in the Members obnoxious to it; the reason of it is easily known, forasmuch as in this sickness the Morbific matter is twofold, and doth depose salt and as it were lixi∣vial Particles thorow the Arteries, and as we suppose others sourish or acetosous to come to them by the Nerves; (as shall be more largely shown hereafter) it is no wonder, if that at length, other sorts of Particles become companions to them, by other beaten ways, and at length either by filling or by compressing, obstruct the very small passages of the Spirits.

As to what belongs to the evident causes of the Palsie, to wit, for what fore-causes * 1.31 or occasions those disposed to this Disease contract it the sooner, or that having been taken with it already, are yet wont to be more grievously tormented; I say, what∣soever doth more vitiate the Blood, also those things that stop up the Brain and its nervous appendix, or stir up suffusions of the Morbific matter in it, also what do in∣flict a Narcosis or stupefaction to the Spirits, or lessen their numbers, may be brought hither. In this rank first occur the disorders in the six non-naturals, an evil man∣ner of living, drinking thin clear Wine, or strong hot liquors, too much sleep, or too untimely, an idle and sedentary life, immoderate Venue, too much loss of blood, a moist Air or Marshie dwelling, an House new Plastered, Metalick fumes and va∣pors, frequent use of Narcoticks, or stupefying Medicines, or too much taking To∣bacco, excess of cold, heat, or moisture, vehement and long passions of sadness or fear, with many others, all which we have not here leasure to recite.

Thus much concerning the Palsie, in which the loco-motive faculty is abolished * 1.32 or lost, or very much hindered; by reason of the ways of the Spirits being obstructed, and themselves affected with a certain stupefaction, in the whole, or in the respective parts. There follows another kind of this Disease, depending up∣on the want and fewness of Spirits, in which, although motion be not deficient in any part or member wholly, yet it is not performed by any but weakly and depra∣vedly only. For though the distemper'd are free from want of motion, they are not able however to move their members strongly, or to bear any weight; moreover, in every motive indeavour, they labour with a trembling of their limbs, which is on∣ly a defect of debility, and of a broken strength in the motive power. For when strength is wanting for the lifting up of any member firmly, and at one essay or en∣deavour, Nature flagging, acts with a more often repeated tryal or endeavour, and so the part being in motion, is compelled as it were to shake and tremble. To which happens, that when the nervous Fibres flagging or growing weak, they are not able to sustain the Tonick endeavour, or the stiffness in the Animal regiment, and these endeavouring or striving to exert or put forth their utmost power, enter into mo∣tions as it were Convulsive, and reiterate them perpetually. Wherefore, in some Paralyticks, there is always a trembling and shaking in all the limbs.

Those who thus become Paralytick, by the paucity or want of Spirits, and so from their small or diminished dispensation into the nervous System, are made ob∣noxious to such a Distemper, by reason of various causes and occasions.

First, Extream or unhealthy old age, or immoderate loss of blood, or the genital * 1.33 h•…•…mor, induce this kind of Paralytick disposition in many men; to wit, because from the wasted blood and almost liveless, there is stilled forth into the Brain but a very small •…•…ock or provision of Animal Spirits.

Secondly, Almost for the same reason, the loco-motive faculty grows weak or fails * 1.34 in persons greatly Scorbutick, and such as are full of indigested juice; for such not being fit for any strong exercise, go infirmly and weakly, and are very much tired by any long or swift walking; further, by any more heavy endeavour, they suffer of∣ten times a numness in their limbs, with an impotency of moving them. For indeed, the bloody Mass is in these very watry, and stuft with impurities, and for that the Brain being weak and loose, as to its Pores, admits easily all sorts of filthinesses into it self; wherefore, fewer Animal Spirits being only created, and those not clear and sub∣til, but dull and hindred, by the adhesion of a more thick matter (although there is not always an obstruction of the ways, or a Narcotick disposition) they are not a∣ble to unfold themselves into motive endeavours.

Thirdly, Not only Scorbutical persons, but also many others, hardly and long * 1.35 growing well from some Chronical Disease, are distemper'd with Members very much loosened from their due vigor and strength, and with a languishing of their Limbs; that though they are well in their stomach, and have a good and laudable Pulse and Urine, yet they are as if they were enervated, and cannot stand upright, and dare scarce enter upon local motions, or if they do, cannot perform them long: yea, some without any notable sickness, are for a long time fixed in their Bed, as if they were every day about to dye; whilst they lye undisturbed, talk with their Friends, and are chearful, but they will not, nor dare not move or walk; yea they shun all motion, as a most horrid thing. Without doubt in these, although the Animal Spirits do after a manner actuate and irradiate the whole nervous Stock, yet their numbers are so small, and in so few heaps, that when as many spirits ought to be heaped together somewhere in it for motion, there is great danger lest presently in the neighbouring parts, their continuity should be broken. Wherefore, when the spirits inhabiting * 1.36 the Brain, are conscious of the debility of others disposed in the Members, they them∣selves refuse local motions, for that it would be too difficult a task to impose on their companions; wherefore, the sick are scarce brought by any perswasion, to try whe∣ther they can go or not; Nevertheless, those labouring with a want of Spirits, who will exercise local motions, as well as they can, in the morning are able to walk firmly, to fling about their Arms hither and thither, or to take up any heavy thing; before noon the stock of the Spirits being spent, which had flowed into the Muscles, * 1.37 they are scarce able to move Hand or Foot. At this time I have under my charge a prudent and an honest Woman, who for many years hath been obnoxious to this sort of spurious Palsie, not only in her Members, but also in her tongue; she for some time can speak freely and readily enough, but after she has spoke long, or ha∣stily, or eagerly, she is not able to speak a word, but becomes as mute as a Fish, nor can she recover the use of her voice under an hour or two.

In this kind of spurious Palsie, arising from the defect, or rather the weakness of * 1.38 the Animal Spirits, than from their obstruction, it may be suspected, that not only the Spirits themselves, as to their first numbers of them, and particular originals, are in fault; but besides, that sometimes the imbecillity and impotency of local motion, doth in some measure also depend upon the fault of the explosive Copula, suffused every where from the blood, into the moving Fibres. For indeed, from a very Cacochymical blood, or full of juice, and for that cause vappid, and liveless; as the Animal Spirits are but few, that are instilled into the Brain, so it is probable, that those themselves derived from the Brain, into the Nerves, being disposedat length with∣in the muscular Fibres, do meet with other Nitro-sulphureous Particles (which we have somewhere shown to be necessarily required to the Musculary motion) from the so vitious blood that are but dull, and degenerate, from the Elastick power; where∣fore indeed the Spirits being concreted so evilly within the Muscles, even as Gun∣powder being full of more thick feculences, rarely and weakly perform the acts of explosions.

As to what belongs to the other species of the Palsie, in which the sensitive faculty * 1.39 is also effected, we say, that this is hurt either by it self, or together with the mo∣tive; and such an hurt of both together, doth almost only happen, forasmuch as the passages and ways of the Spirits are more firmly shut up, so that whether they tend forward or backward all their irradiation is intercepted: That sometimes hap∣pens, though rarely from the Morbific matter fallen down from the Brain into the ob∣long Marrow, but more often by reason of a grievous hurt of the Spine or Back-bone,

as from a fall from on high, stroke, or wound inflicted on them: For from such oc∣casions, by compressing the marrowy cord, or by too much distending or writhing it, all the tracts of the Spirits are blotted out.

Sometimes the sensitive faculty is hurt by it self, the motive being still safe; this * 1.40 is sufficiently obvious, and the reason very clear, of the organs, whose Nerves are only sensible, to wit, as of the sight, hearing, tast, and smell. But indeed, that in the extream habit of the body or members, the touch or feeling sometimes perishes, the loco-motive power being unhurt; as is ordinarily discerned in Lepers, those distem∣per'd with the Elephantiasis, and some Mad-men, who are wont to go naked, and lye on the ground, whose skin and musculous flesh are so benumned, that they feel not the gashes made in their flesh with a Pen-knife, nor Needles any where thrust into them; this I say seems very hard to be unfolded. But as to this it may be said, that perhaps the same Nerves, carry the instincts of motions, and the impressions of * 1.41 sensible things forward and backward, or to and fro, but that the same Fibres, which are loco-motive, are not altogether or chiefly sensible. We have elsewhere shewed, that its power is performed by the tendinous and musculous Fibres; but the sensible Species, is almost only received by the membranaceous Fibres; wherefore, the outer skin is the primary organ of feeling; after this, the Membranes covering the Mus∣cles, and lastly those constituting the Viscera, are somewhat affected by the Tangible object. Wherefore, the loss or hurt of feeling arises, by reason of an hurt, brought to the exterior Membranes; to wit, when the Fibres of these are obstructed by a Vitri∣olick * 1.42 matter, or are benummed very much by excess of cold; so that the Animal Spi∣rits, which ought to receive their impressions, are excluded from their organs. And indeed, from hence it appears, that these inhabiting the exterior Membranes, are on∣ly affected, because sense being lost, the members wither not, as when deprived of motion, but remain full and round; which is a sign that the Animal Spirits entring still the Nerves, and fleshy Fibres, do contribute their virtue to the office of nou∣rishment; after what manner we have already shewn; but when motion is lost, the Spirits are almost wholly banished from those parts, and the flesh consumes, because the nourishing matter, though carried thorow the Arteries, is not assimulated. We have largely discoursed of this in our Treatise of the Nerves.

The Theory of this many-form'd Disease being now at length finished, its kinds and differences, all, or at least the most and chiefest of it, together with the reasons * 1.43 of each of them, being rehearsed in order, we shall snew next those things which belong to its prognosticks and Cure.

1 Every Palsie, whether accidental or habitual, and either of them, whether uni∣versal or partial, or whether suddenly excited or by degrees, if it happens that the knowing and vital faculty be unhurt, it ought not to be accounted an acute Disease; but being free from sudden danger, admits a long Cure, or at least an endeavour of it.

2. This Disease coming from a solitary evident cause, as from a stroke, a fall, wound, &c. or coming upon the Apoplexy, Carus, Convulsion, the Colick, or other Distempers of the Brain, or nervous System, if it be not in a short time altered for the better, or gives not place to Medicines, it remains for the most part incure∣able.

3. If that a total resolution follows, from a total obstruction in the beginning of the oblong Marrow, or from the Back-bone being vehemently hurt, and that sense and motion are both taken away, the Distemper is hardly, or scarce at all to be Cured.

4. Those who are once cured of a Palsie, arising from an evident solitary cause, do not so easily relapse into the same, as when the Disease depends upon a procatartick cause.

5. A Palsie, happening to men of years, to Cacochymical, very Scorbutical, and in∣temperate persons, although the Distemper be not very great, is difficultly Cured.

As the Palsies are manifold, and are from diverse causes, so the Cure is not to be instituted always after one manner, but after a various method, to wit, appropriate * 1.44 to every kind of this Disease. For the most part there are these three kinds of it, or rather there are three means of healing; of which there ought to be had con∣cerning * 1.45 the Cure of this Disease, now this, now that, or now another; to wit, be∣cause resolution (whatever, or in what place soever it be) is either caused, 1. from an external accident, as a stroke, a fall, a wound, excess of cold, or the like, suddenly: Or 2. It succeeds to some other Distemper, as the Apoplexy, Carus, Colick, or a long Feavour: Or, 3. It is primary and a Disease by it self, by degrees excited, and de∣pending upon a procatartick cause, or a previous provision. Concerning each of these, we shall speak particularly.

1. Therefore, when the Palsie is caused, by reason of some accident, with a vehe∣ment * 1.46 hurt, there are not many intentions of healing; but only that the part hurt may recover its pristine conformation. And first of all, that the Blood and other humors flow∣ing to it, being weak and distemper'd, and staying there, might not increase the hurt, Phlebotomy is most requisite in this case, and presently to be celebrated; then the belly being made slippery by the use of Clysters, and a slender dyet, if the matter requires it, let there be instituted either easily digested meats, or moderate Hydroticks, or water meats; to wit, that whilst the sick is kept in bed, he may continue in a gentle sweat, that all the superfluities may copiously exhale from the hurt part, and that the Spirits being gently agitated, may repeat their former ways and tracts, within those Pores and passages, so unlocked by the warm Effluvia's.

For this end, the Powder ad Casum, described in the Augustan Pharmacopoea, or as * 1.47 it is in ours, is of common use; let there be given of Irish Slate, to the quantity of about a dram, in a draught of white Wine warm'd, or of Posset-drink made of it; and repeated every six or eight hours. Besides, if there be at hand the Decoctum Traumaticum, let it be taken ever now and then, frequently in Posset-drink, or a Decoction of the Roots of Madder, or of Butter-bur, or of St. Johns-wort Flowers.

Further, in the mean time, let the distemper'd part be carefully lookt to, which * 1.48 may be easily known, partly from the hurt inflicted, and partly from the loosened members. If there be any thing dislocated in it, you must take care that as soon as it can, it may be put again in its place; if a Tumor, Contusion, or a wound be ex∣cited, they are to be succour'd by Balsams, Liniments, Stuphes or Fomentations, or Pultesses: But if nothing preternatural appears outwardly, let a Plaster of Oxy∣crocium and of Red-lead, each alike, what will suffice, be laid upon it, and let the sick be kept quiet, and in a moderate heat, for three or four days. If the resoluti∣on remains confirmed, and the afflux of new matter be not feared, let more resol∣ving and discussing Remedies be applied to the distemper'd places; wherefore, make use of Fomentations, and hotter Oyntments, yea natural Baths, if they are at hand, or at least artificial. Sometimes it may be expedient for the distemper'd Members to be wrapped in Horse-dung, or in warm grains, and to be kept so for some time; and lastly, between whiles, besides the use of these, to add Clysters and gentle Purges. But if no help follows these administrations, the sick ought then to be handled with the like long method, and with the same Remedies, as those that have an habitual Palsie, or any other coming upon other Diseases and confirmed; which means of Cure, for every common Palsie more deeply rooted, shall be shewed anon.

2. When the Palsie coming upon a Feavour, Apoplexy, Carus, or other Cephalick * 1.49 or Convulsive Diseases, is greatly and suddenly excited, first the Physician ought to endeavour the taking away of the conjunct cause, which hath almost ever its seat in the oblong or spinal Marrow. Wherefore, at the beginning of the Disease, Blood∣letting, and Purging (if nothing shews the contrary) Clysters, Vesicatories, Cupping∣glasses, Sneezing Powders, Oyntments, and other administrations used in Cephalick Diseases, to wit, which by any means may shake off, or pull away the deadly matter, fixed to the Medullary Trunk, or to the little heads of the Nerves coming from it, are to be made use of. If that at first, the force of Medicine effects nothing within fif∣teen or twenty days, for that the Distemper is radicated, and become habitual, it must be expunged by a long method, and equally by preservatory as well as curato∣ry Indications; of which we shall speak anon.

3. The habitual Palsie, depending upon a procatartick cause, whether it be in fieri * 1.50 or in disposition, or whther it be made, or in the nest or bird, either requires a pe∣culiar means of healing.

There are two chief causes of the former, in both which the Curatory Method, re∣specting * 1.51 only the fore-leading Causes, is designed after the like manner, to wit, whe∣ther any falling dangerously ill of the Palsie, or growing well of it, relapses into dan∣ger, the same Remedies almost are to be insisted on.

The intentions therefore of healing are, First, That the offices of Chilification, and of * 1.52 making of Blood, be rightly performed, and matter for the procreating the Animal Spirits be supplied, both laudable and sufficient to the Head; then, Secondly, That the Brain being still firm and well made, the heterogeneous Particles being excluded, it may admit all that are fitting, and rightly exalt then into Animal Spirits. For these ends, I think convenient to propose the following method, which ought to be varied, according to the various constitutions of the sick,

In Spring and Fall, that they enter into the ordinary course of Physick, yea the whole year besides, some Remedis are in constant use. Blood-letting is not always convenient to all men: But though we forbid this, it is not for the same reason with

the Ancients, supposing the Palsie to be a cold Diseafe, but because the Animal Spi∣rits, are both procreated out of the Blood, and become also Elastick in the motional Fibres, by reason of the bloody Copul•…•…; therefore, if plenty of this be taken away, they grow weak and deficient. Which thing indeed I have observed in many, and for the most part languishings and tremblings to have been begun in the Arm, out of which the blood had been taken. However in some, indued with a sharp and hot blood, and * 1.53 apt to flame forth too much, though disposed to the Palsie, it is sometimes convenient to let blood a little and sparingly.

About the Aeq•…•…inox, a Purge ought to be instituted, and after due times between, to be iterated three or four times. But first, if nothing oppose, let a Vomit be given, * 1.54 of the Salt of Vitriol, Sulphur of Antimony, or an Infusion of Crocus Mettall•…•…rum, or of Mercurius Vitae; then let there be taken Pills of Amber, or of Aloephangin•…•…, by it self, or with the Resine of Jalap, every seventh or eighth day. At other times we prescribe Cephalick Remedies, such as in the sleepy Diseases: viz. Electuarie•…•…, Powders, * 1.55 Spirits, and Volatile sa•…•…e, Tinctures, Elixirs, with distilled Waters and Apozems, sometimes these, sometimes those, or others. Let Issues be made in the Arm or Leg, yea in fat people, and such as are full of ill humors, in both together, or between the shoulders. Let them drink all the year medicated Beer of Sage, Betony, Ste∣chades, Sassafrass Wood, and Winterines Bark. Wine and Women ought to be for∣bidden, or but moderately to be used.

If that the Palsie be excited, after a previous disposition, either of one side, or in * 1.56 some members, and that it still continues, notwithstanding the first attempt of Me∣dicine, a long and complicated method is always requisite, and oftentimes doth not suffice; for not only the Disease, or its conjunct cause, or its foregoing severally, but all together ought to be opposed: for which ends Phlebotomy being for the most part interdicted, only a gentle Purge and rarely is convenient. Besides, some chief Ce∣phalick Medicines, and Antiscorbuticks are wont to help against the foregoing cause of this * 1.57 Disease. But all of this sort, are not convenient to all; yea as we have observed in the Scu•…•…ey, according to the various Constitutions of the Sick, there are also Re∣medies of a diverse kind and virtue. For to Cholerick Paralyticks, to wit, in whose sharp and hot Blood there is much of Salt and Sulphur, and very little of Serum, the * 1.58 more hot Medicines and indued with very active Particles, are not agreeable, yea are often hurtful; which things notwithstanding are very profitable to Phlegmatick per∣sons, whose Blood is colder, and contains much of Serum, and but few active Ele∣ments. Wherefore, for this twofold state or condition of sick persons, it seems con∣venenient that we institute here a double Method of Cure, and two classes of Medi∣cines, of which these may be given to cold Parlyticks, and those to the hot.

In the former case, for the taking away the Procatartick cause, after Vomiting and * 1.59 Purging being rightly instituted, I was wont to prescribe according to these follow∣ing forms.

Take of the Conserves of the leaves of the Garden Scurvy-grass, of Rocket, made with * 1.60 an equal part of Sugar, each three ounces; of Ginger Candied in India half an ounce, of the rinds of Oranges and Lemons Candied, each six drams; of the Powder of the Claws and Eyes of Crabs, each four scruples; of the Species of Diambre two drams, of Winter•…•… Bark one dram and a half, of the Roots of Zedoary, the lesser Galingal, of Cubebs, the Seeds of Water-Cresses, Rocket, each one dram; of the Spirits of Scurvey-grass, Lavender, each two drams; of the Syrup of Candied Ginger, what will su•…•…ice to make an Electuary. Take of it about the quantity of a Walnat, at eight of the Clock in the Morning, and at five in the Afternoon, drinking after it a pint of the following Decoction, warm, or Coffee, with the leaves of Sage boiled in it six * 1.61 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or of Viper Wine three ounces.

Take of the shavings of Lignum Sanctum six ounces, of Sarsaparilla, and of Sassaphr as, * 1.62 each four ounces; of white and yellow Sanders, of the shavings of Ivory, of Harts-horn, each half an ounce; infuse them according to art, and boil them in sixteen pints of Spring water, till half be consumed, adding of Crude Antimony in Powder, and tyed in a rag fo•…•…r ounces, of the Root of the Aromatick Reed, of the lesser Galingal, each half an ounce; of the Florentine Iris one ounce, of Cardamums six drams, of Co∣riander Seeds half an ounce, six Dates; make a Decoction to be used for ordinary drink.

Going to sleep, and first in the morning, let a Dose of the Spirits of Sut, or Harts-horn, * 1.63 or of Armo•…•…acal Amber, or of Blood, &c. be taken, with three ounces of the follo•…•…ing distilled water.

Take •…•…f the •…•…ves or roo•…•… of Aron one pound, of the leaves of G•…•…rden Scurvey-grass, * 1.64

of the greater Rocket, of Rosemary, Sage, Savory, Thyme, four handfuls; of the Flow∣ers of Lavender three handfuls, the outer rinds of ten Oranges, and six Lemons, of Winterans Bark three ounces, of the roots of the lesser Galingal, of Calamus Aroma∣ticus, the Florentine Iris, each two ounces; of Cubebs, Cloves, Nutmegs, each two ounces; all being cut and bruised, pour to them of white Wine, and of Brunswick Beer or Mum, each four pints: distil it in common Stills, and let all the liquor be mixed together.

Sometimes in the place of the Electuary may be taken for fifteen or twenty days a * 1.65 Dose of the Tincture of Sulphur Turpentined, of the Tincture of Antimony, or of Am∣ber: Also sometimes Elixir Proprietatis, or of Poeony; let them be taken in a spoon∣ful of distilled Water, drinking after it three ounces of the same: Also sometimes the following Powders or Lozenges may be taken by turns, in the medical course.

Take of the Powder of Vipers flesh of Monpillier prepared one ounce, of the hearts and livers of the same half an ounce, of Species Diambre two ounces; make a Powder, take one dram once or twice a day with the distilled Water three ounces, or with Viper Wine, with a Decoction of the leaves of Sage, of the root and seeds of the Burdock, and the Candied roots of Eringo, made of Spring-water, what will suffice, and boiled to one moiety; six or eight ounces in the Morning warm, expecting to sweat after it.

Take of Bezoartick Mineral Solar half an ounce, of Cloves powdered two drams; min∣gle * 1.66 them, make a Powder and divide it into twelve parts, let one be taken after the same manner, twice in a day; between these kind of Remedies, gentle purging may be often used.

Take of the Powder of the picked roots of Zedoary, the lesser Galingal, each half a * 1.67 dram; of Species Diambre one dram, of the Powder of the seeds of Mustard, Rocket, Scurvygrass, Water-Cresses, each half a dram; make of them all a fine Powder, add to it of the Oyl of the purest Amber half a dram, and with white Sugar dissolved in the compounded Poeony water, and boiled up to the consistency of Lozenges six ounces: make Lozenges according to art, weighing each half a dram: Eat of them three or four twice in a day, drinking after every Dose, of the liquors before mentioned.

Take of the Powder of Virginian Snakeweed two drams, of the lesser Galingal one dram, * 1.68 of the gummed extract of the remains of the distillation of the Elixir Vitae of Quer∣citan two drams, of the Flowers of Sal Armoniack, (or the most pure Volatile Salt of Sut or Harts-horn) one dram, of the Balsom of Peru one scruple, of the Balsom of Capivus what will suffice to make a mass; let it be made into small Pills involved in the Species Diambre. The Dose is half a dram evening or morning.

Take of the Resine or Gum of Guaicum three drams, of the Species Diambre one dram, of the Chymical Oyl of Guaicum rightly rectified one dram and a half, of liquid Am∣ber what will suffice to make a mass: let it be formed into Pills, to be taken after the same manner.

If that the Palsie happens in a Cholerick temper, or to a young Man, it admits on∣ly of milder Medicines, and all the more hot things, and Elastick, do but imbitter * 1.69 the Disease: The following forms are in use, for the taking away of its foregoing cause.

Take of the Conser•…•…es of the Flowers of Betony, of Fumitory, of Primroses, each two * 1.70 ounces; of the Species Diambre one dram, of Ivory, Crabs Eyes, and Claws, each four scruples; of the Powder of the Flowers of Poeony two drams, of Lignum Aloes, of yellow Sanders, each one dram; of the Salt of Wormwood one dram and a half, and with the Syrup of the Flowers of Poeony what will suffice, make an Electuary. The Dose is two drams twice in a day, drinking after it, either the simple water of the Flowers of Aron, or of the following Compounded Water three ounces, or of the Decoction of Sage, with the leaves of Tea infused in it four or six ounces.

Take of the Roots of Aron or Cuckopint, of the male Poeony, Angelica, Imperatoria, * 1.71 each half a pound; of the Flowers of Sage, Rosemary, Marjoram, Brooklime, Water-Cresses, each four handfuls; of the rinds of six Oranges, and four Lemons, of Prim∣roses, Cowslips, Marigold flowers, each three handfuls; let them be all bruised and cut, and pour to them of new Milk six pints, of Malaga Wine one quart; distil them in common Stils, and let the whole liquor be mixed together.

Sometimes instead of the Electuary may be taken between whiles, for fourteen or fif∣teen * 1.72 days, of the Syrup of Steel, of which let one spoonful be taken in three ounces of the distilled Water: It may be made after this manner.

Take of the whitest Sugar dissolved in black Cherry Water, and boil'd up to a consistency, eight ounces, adding to it of our Steel in Powder three drams; let them be stirred to∣gether over the fire, and then by degrees pour to it of the Water of Rasemary warm twelve ounces; let it boil gently for a quarter of an hour, scu•…•…ming it, and pouring it forth warm thorow an hair sieve or strainer.

There may be also made steeled Lozenges after this manner, to wit, with Sugar sufficiently boiled with Steel, adding of the Chymical Oyl of Amber or of Rose∣mary half a dram, and presently let it be poured forth that it may flow into a con∣sistency of Lozenges: The Dofe is two drams twice in a day, drinking after it of distilled Water, or of the following Apozem six ounces.

Take of China Root one ounce, of the shavings of Ivory, Harts-horn, each half an ounce; of white and yellow Sanders, of the Wood of the Mastick-tree, each half an * 1.73 ounce; let them be infused in warm water and close stopt for a whole night, six pints; in the morning add to them of the Roots of Chervil, of sweet smelling Avens, of Broom, and Parstey, each one ounce and a half; of the dryed leaves of ground Ivy, Sage, Germander, Betony, each one handful, of Coriander seeds three drams; let them be boiled till half is consumed, then add to it of white Wine half a pint, and strain it in∣to a jugg, upon the leaves of Water-Cresses bruised two handful: Let it infuse warm and close shut, for two hours, strain it again, and keep it in a close Vessel well stopt.

In the Scorbutick Palsie, the Juices and expressions of Herbs, do often bring no∣table help.

Take of the leaves of Brooklime, Water-Cresses, and Plantan fresh gathered, each four handfuls, bruise them together, and pour to them of the distilled Water but now descri∣bed * 1.74 eight ounces, squeese the juice strongly forth, and keep it in a glass, and take of it twice or thrice in a day three or four ounces.

At the extream Physical hours, viz. Morning and Evening, may be taken these following Pills.

Take of Millipedes prepared three drams and a half, of Pearls one dram and a half, of the Root of the Cretick Dittany one dram, Venice Turpentine what will suffice to * 1.75 make a mass: let it be formed into small Pills, the Dose is half a dram, drinking af∣ter it a draught of the distilled Water.

For ordinary drink, let there be prescribed, either a Bochet of Sarse, China, yel∣low Sanders, &c. or small Ale, with the dryed leaves of ground Ivy, boiled in it; and of Sage, with the Wood of Sassafras, infused therein.

2. Whilst these things are doing, for the taking away the foregoing cause of the Disease, there is no less a curatory care required, for its conjunct cause; to wit, that all obstructed places being opened, they might admit the Animal Spirits, free from stupefaction, and that they may pass freely thorow.

There are two chief kinds of Remedies, which conduce to those ends, viz. one particular and private, to be applied to the distemper'd places: to wit, that by Fo∣mentations, Oyntments, Plasters, and such like outward applications, the sleepy * 1.76 Spirits might be awakned, and their passages opened: the other universal, to wit, that the Blood and Spirits, and the other humors (and the active Particles flowing in the whole Body) being very much agitated, and put into a rapid motion, like a tor∣rent, they might cast down and remove all impacted heaps or stays, by which the Spi∣rits are obstructed.

The administrations used to the distempered parts are so ordinarily and common∣ly known, that it were superfluous to insist here on the describing them more largely. First Liniments, made out of Oyls, Oyntments, and Balsoms, are to be applied ac∣cording to the temper of the Patient, more or less hot, and with frictions or strong rubbing twice a day. Sometimes, before these are made use of, Fomentations made of Cephalick Herbs, or spices boiled in Spring Water, adding to it sometimes Strong Waters, Wine, or Bear or their Lees. Further, oftentimes it is convenient to make about the distemper'd places Blisters, and to use Cupping-glasses, and Medicines to take away the hairs, and to raise pimples. Little Bags and Plasters often help. More∣over, if the business will admit it, let the Paralytick members be covered over with

hot grains, or with the refuse of the Grapes when flung out of the Wine-press; or let them be thrust into the belly of a Beast new slain, or bathed in an artificial Bath, or in the natural Baths, and be kept for a long while in any of these.

But if these help not, you must then come to universal Remedies, or great Reme∣dies; * 1.77 of which sort, in the first place, are Diaphoreticks or sweating Medicines, Mer∣curial Medicines stirring up Salivation; and strong Vomiting Medicines: of each of which we shall speak briefly.

In the Cure of the Palsie, sometimes Diaphoreticks, or Medicines causing sweats, do very much help; and that they sometimes are hurtful, the common people do ordi∣narily * 1.78 observe. Wherefore it is very requisite, that we should unfold the reasons of this so different effect; and that so indications may be taken as to the use or rejecti∣on of them.

Therefore, a plentiful sweating is wont to be helpful sometimes to Paralyticks, * 1.79 chiefly for two reasons; to wit, for that it doth thrust forth or exterminate in a great measure the impurities of the Blood, and the nervous juice, being apt to breath forth; so that the Morbific matter doth not flow any more to the Brain, and the di∣stemper'd parts; and that whatever hath already flowed forth from them, is partly conveyed forth of doors. Then, Secondly, Because the Effluvia's of heat falling away from the boiling blood, do very much open the nervous Passages before obstructed, whilst in evaporating they pass thorow them, and make an open way for the Spirits. Wherefore this administration is chiefly and almost only convenient for those, whose Blood is not stuffed with fixed Salt and Sulphur, but is diluted with a limpid and saltless Serum. For on the contrary, Paralyticks whose blood and humors are full of fierce, Exotick, and fixed Particles of enormous Salts and Sulphur, and unfit to be exhaled, do often receive great harm by a violent and forced sweating. Of this kind of effect we have assigned these two causes, to wit, because that the Morbific Particles, * 1.80 by reason of agitation being too much exalted, become more outragious; then second∣ly, because these being more plentifully brought to the Brain and nervous Stock, they oftentimes increase the old obstructions, and not rarely produce new.

That a plentiful sweating or Diaphoresis may be easily provoked, both internal Me∣dicines, and outward administrations are wont to be made use of. The former stir up either the Blood or Serum into an heat, or provoke the heart into more swift moti∣ons; and for that cause (whether one or both be done) when the bloody liquor is ra∣pidly circulated thorow the Heart and Vessels, and is wrought into a frothy swelling up, there is a necessity, that very many Effluvia's, which are the matter of sweat, should go away from it. For this end, Medicines of a various kind are commended to Paralyticks, of which the most noted are, a Decoction of Guaicum, Sarsaparilla, &c. * 1.81 Spirits and Oyl of Guaicum, the simple mixture, Flowers and Spirits of Sal Armoniack, Aurum Diaphoroticum, the Salt of Vipers, as also the Powder and Wine of the same: the solar Bezoartick minerale, Tincture of Antimony, &c.

External administrations move sweat, because they hold in, and stir up the mode∣rate heat in the whole body; and so the blood being made hot, is compelled to move more swiftly, and to evaporate more, and at the same time, the Pores of the skin, being unlocked, readily let forth all the Particles that are apt to exhale. For this use, besides the Bed-cloaths (which only hold in the Effluvia's of heat sent from the body, about it still) there are little sweating Charis, or Stoves, made hot with Coals or with the Spirits of Wine: also Hot-houses and Baths of various kinds and forms, and * 1.82 our natural Baths, are wont to be made use of: But of all of them, our natural Baths of the Bath (if they agree with the temper of the sick) are thought to be the best Remedy; which the many Crutches, hung up as so many trophies of this Disease being overcome, belonging to many Cured of the Palsie, do sufficiently shew.

But as the best Medicines, if they prove not a Remedy to the Disease, often pass in∣to * 1.83 poisons; so the use of Baths, when it cures not some Paralyticks, renders them much worse; so that when as the sick had before many members distemper'd and resolved or loosened, there was no other occasion for them of leaving behind them there their Crutches, unless it were because they could use them no longer. We have above shewed the cause of this; to wit, because bathing, shaking, or moving the blood, and all the humors, more exalts all the Morbific and extraneous particles, and they becoming more outragious, drives them from the Viscera into the bloody mass; from whence (when they cannot easily evaporate) entring into the Brain and nervous Stock, increase the Paralytick Distemper, and very often adds to it the Convulsive. For this reason Bathing sometimes actuates or stirs up the Nephritick, and the Gouty disposition; and further, in many where there was not a disposition, it causes a spit∣ting of blood, the Asthma, or Consumption. Wherefore Baths ought not to be tryed

without the advice of a Physician, and then having tryed them, if they seem not agree∣able, they are to be soon left.

I have by my own experience sufficiently try'd, and known also by that of several * 1.84 other Physicians, that some Paralyticks have been cured by Salivation excited by Mer∣cury. But I think this kind of Remedy, is only to be used to the habitual Palsie, to wit, which hath its foregoing cause in the Blood and Brain, easily moveable, and its conjunct cause, in the nervous appendix, not very fixed. But when this Distemper is caused from an outward and great hurt, or follows upon the Carus, Apoplexy, or Con∣vulsions, a Salivation or spitting is attempted in vain, and sometimes not without great hurt. But whoever are indued with a weak and too loose a Brain, and are obnoxious to frequent Convulsive motions, are not rashly to make use of Mercury. Yet some∣times a Salivation in an habitual Palsie, and not very fixed, hath highly profited, for∣asmuch as by taking away the impurities of the blood, it cuts off all the nourish∣ment of the Disease; also, because some Mercurial Particles, whilst passing thorow the Brain, and entring the nervous passages, divide the Morbific matter impacted in them, and drawing its parts one from another, variously disperse some forward, and others backwards; when oftentimes it is the fault of other Medicines, that they only urge forward the heap obstructing the ways of the Spirits, so that if they pull it not to pieces, they drive it more firmly into the obstructed places.

In some measure it is for this reason also, that Vomits do frequently yield notable * 1.85 help in the Cure of the Palsie, to wit, because they draw away the nourishment of the conjunct cause, yea and do not always drive forward, but pull back the matter impacted in the Nerves, do greatly shake, and often break it in bits; so that when the continuity of the heap is broken, the Animal Spirits themselves easily dissipate the Particles of the Morbific matter, loosened one from another. We have before mentioned another reason of the help of Emeticks in the Sleepy Disease, which also may have a place in the Palsie.

Instances and examples of Paralyticks are so ordinarily and almost daily met with, * 1.86 that their various Types and Histories would fill a Volume, if they should be described. Wherefore I shall only add here some few and more rare ones, to wit, one or two, by which the chief kinds of this Disease may be illustrated. For as it will be little to the purpose, to describe the resolutions of members, excited by outward acci∣dent, as from a fall, wound, or stroke; I shall insist only on those cases, where the Palsie either arises by its self, after a previous disposition, or comes upon some other Disease.

Some time since, a certain Gentleman, strong, and well flesh'd, and beyond the * 1.87 tenth lustre of his age, almost ever healthful; at length being given to a sedentary and idle life, and from thence becoming more dull and heavy than usual, refused any ex∣ercise, and more hard motion of the body: moreover he was wont to be melancho∣lick and sad, upon any light occasion, yea sometimes to break forth into weeping * 1.88 and tears, without any manifest occasion. This man a little after (which I also ob∣served in many others) was distemper'd with an imbecillity and trembling of all his members, and then with a resolution of the lower parts; to which Disease (for that he was melancholick, and soon weary of Medicines) he gave himself up as overcome, and by degrees being made more weak and languishing, he dyed within six months.

I remember many others, but especially two committed to our Cure, who were∣highly ingenious and very learned, in the former part of their life; but afterwards in their declining age, partly through the evil disposition of the body, and partly through the perturbation of the mind, became dull and forgetful, and after that (not∣withstanding the use of the Remedies in the beginning of the Disease) Paralytick.

In these kind of cases, first the Brain it self, as to its temper and make, seems to be * 1.89 so weakened, that the Spirits inhabiting it, becoming torpid, and wandring out of their tracts, did not rightly perform the acts of Memory and Imagination; then by reason of their failure and disorders in their first spring or fount, (which are not enough taken notice of till they become uncureable) there is a necessity, that an im∣potency or an eclipse of the motive faculty, should succeed in the nervous appen∣dix. But the Cure of these Distempers, as often as they are excited from such an occasion, is ever very difficult, because the antecedent cause is hardly or scarce ever taken away.

A young man, of a Sanguine temper, ingenious, and for the most part healthy, * 1.90 sitting in a Chair after a large supper, and immoderate drinking of Wine, was so distemper'd with a numness or stupidity in his right hand, that his Gloves which he held in it, fell of themselves out of his hand; then getting up, and endeavouring to walk, he felt a resolution or loosening in his Thigh and Leg of the same side, and

a little afterwards falling into a certain he•…•…etude or dulness of mind, and stupefaction, yet without an Apoplexy; for he was still himself, answering •…•…ptly to questions asked him, though but slowly and with difficulty, and doing those things that were bid him. Presently a skilful Physician being sent for, Phlebot•…•…my, Vomiting, and Purging, were celebrated in order, Cupping-Glasses, Scarification, Oyntment•…•…, Frictions, and other fit administrations were carefully applied: Nevertheless the Palsie increased, that besides the motion of his members on the right side being taken away, he also lost the sight of that eye; yet still being •…•…tupefied and sleepy, he was co•…•…pos menti•…•…, and knew his Friends, and being conscious of his infirmity, and solicitous for the re∣covering his health, he took all remedies were given him▪ but notwithstanding all this, the animal functions daily more and more languished, and at length by their consent the vital▪ so that about the seventh or the eighth day, from thence, falling sometimes into a Delirium, and sometimes into Convulsions, or other distractions of the Animal Spirits, his strength being at length quite lost he yielded to Death.

His Head being opened, the anterior cayity of the Brain was filled, partly with * 1.91 Ichorous Blood, partly concreted and in clodders or gobbets, with plenty of Serum: Hence, as it is easie to conceive, from this deluge, pressing upon one of the Streaked bodies, and binding up its Pores and Passages, the flowing of the Spirits into the ner∣vous appendix of that side was hindred, and for that reason, the resolution in the re∣spective members was excited; and because of the optick chamber, where it is in∣serted into the Streaked Body, being also pressed together, the Eye of that side lost its sight; further, because the Callous Body, chambring that den, was somewhat pres∣sed by the heaped matter, from thence the hebetude and stupefaction of the chief functions, of the soul were excited, yet without their subversion or inordination. By reason of the evil being fixed on the substance of the Brain, and the Spirits inhabiting it, these sorts of Distempers do proceed, and not from the impletion of the Ventricle, as appears clear enough by this instance, and by what we have elsewhere mentioned.

A Servant to a certain Nobleman, being about forty years of Age, indued with * 1.92 a sharp Blood, and Cholerick temperament, and for some time obnoxious to the Ver∣tigo, whilst he was riding in the Country to a certain Village, being taken sudden∣ly with a dizziness in the Head, he fell upon the ground headlong, and being instant∣ly taken up by the inhabitants, and put to bed, he lay for many hours insensible, and as if dead. But afterward being awakened, he felt an universal Palsie, and all his mem∣bers loosened on both sides, Visiting this Man the day after, I took from him pre∣sently about twelve ounces of Blood, and prescribed forthwith some other Remedies, both outward administrations and also inward Medicines to be carefully given him, and indeed with good success; for after five or six days, he began to bend and stretch forth his hands, and feet, yea, though slowly, to move them about hither and thither; then by the constant use of Remedies, within two months, he was able to rise up, to stand on his feet, and to walk a little with the help of Crutches; then using at home for some time daily a temperate artificial Bath, he got strength and motion by degrees in his members; at length as soon as the season of the year served, going to the Bath, within a fortnights time, by the use of the Baths, he grew perfectly well, and leaving his Crutches behind him returned whole.

In this case, the Apoplectick matter falling down out of the middle of the Brain, be∣ing divided and largely poured forth, entered both the Streaked Bodies, and so caused * 1.93 the universal Palsie; but forasmuch as being more stretched abroad, the same was the le•…•…s thickly impacted in the Marrowy Pores, therefore being more moveable, and apt to be shaken off, it did admit so easie and quick a Cure. To this man the more hot Remedies were not agreeable, so that I was compelled sometimes to iterate Phlebotomy, and to give him only temperate Medicines. That the Palsie doth sometimes succeed, not only Cephalick Distempers, but also the Colick, and Sc•…•…rvey, (as we have already hinted) the following History, (of which we have somewhere made mention as to its Scorbutick reason,) will manifestly declare.

A young and handsome Woman, after being brought to bed, fell into a Tertian * 1.94 Feavour, this coming at length daily upon her, and protracted, brought in a most cruel and continual Colick. The pains at first tormented her only in her Belly, with vomiting and most sharp torments. Being a long while vexed with these, and almost worn out; at length she began to be molested with a stupefaction, and a sense of tingling, such as comes upon a member laid upon. Nor was it long after that but a Palsie (which this other Distemper very often foreruns) follow'd in her whole Bo∣dy. In this condition being brought to Oxford, she was committed to our Cure (the noted Physician Dr. Lydell being also called to our assistance.) In this sick Gentle∣woman, not only all her greater Members, as her Arms and Legs, but almost every

lesser joynt or limb, was almost wholly loosened, that she could not move hand nor foot, or the fingers or toes of either. Further, she was so distemper'd with a wast∣ing away, that she was nothing but skin and bones, however (and from which only we had any hopes) she had a good Pulse, and a lively aspect.

After we had administer'd to her for many weeks, most choice Medicines, both Antiparalytick and Antis•…•…orbutick, almost of every kind, and according to the various * 1.95 methods, without any success; at length we proposed to her, and to her Friends, Sa∣livation, as the most powerful, though also most dangerous of all other Remedies; they not long deliberating upon it, resolve to try a Medicine rather doubtful than none, and though the same should be wholly inefficacious. Therefore by God's help, we gave her in a small Dose, precipitate of Mercury cum sole, and the next day repeated it. On the third day, a moderate and easie Salivation beginning, gently succeeded for a week, without any malignant symptom; but then the sick complaining of a grievous Headach, and Vertigo, began to be afflicted with Convulsive motions; so that there was a necessity to let her lye down, and depress the Salivation, and as soon as we could, to break off this course, by the Serous Flux of water being called away from the Head, to the other parts; which indeed Clysters, frequently given, Epispatick or drawing and revulsive Plasters, applied to several places, toge∣ther with Cordials and Opiates inwardly given her, did quickly effect; and then pre∣sently this Gentlewoman finding her self a little better, began to stretch forth and bend her fingers and toes, and sometimes to move her members from one place to another. Her spitting ceasing, being gently purged, she took for many days a De∣coction of China, Sarsa, Saunders, Ivory, &c. with the addition of the dried leaves of Betony, Sage, female Betony, &c. and between whiles with that, Spirits of Harts-horn, or of Sut, Cephalick and Cardiack Confections, also Powders and proper Juleps. Within a months space, being held up by her Servants, she could stand on her feet, and walk a little in her Chamber; moreover, sleeping and eating moderately, she every day got flesh and strength, and at length by the use of the temperate Bathes at the Bath, she grew well.

The reason of the aforesaid case seems to be after this manner: First, the vitious * 1.96 blood had contracted an intermitting Feavour, then by reason of the long stay of that Feavour, the same being made more vitious, did also impart its evil to the Brain and nervous Stock; the matter being poured forth from the blood on them, together with the nervous juice, being only at first Spasmodick or Convulsive, and entering much into the Intercostal Nerves, excited the Colick; but then, that being more large∣ly poured forth into the Nerves of the spinal Marrow, brought on painful contracti∣ons in the nervous Fibres, in almost the whole habit of the Body; and when from the assiduous and plentiful incourse of the Convulsive matter, the passages of the Brain and Nerves being very much unlock'd, became very open; at length the more thick and vitriolick Particles entering with them, disseminated the Paralytick Di∣stemper thorow the whole Body. Concerning its Cure, the Remedies used before Salivation did not profit, because they urging this Morbific matter still forward, drove it more deeply and closely into the nervous passages; but the mercurial Parti∣cles, because they dissolved the matter so compacted, first opened the way of Cure, which afterwards being much helped daily by Cephalick Medicines, it was at length consummated by the use of the Baths.

But that Baths are not profitable to all Paralyticks, yea (as we said above) very hurtful to some, this following History (whose mournful catastrophe happened whilst * 1.97 we were writing these) will manifestly declare. A Merchant of London having put his foot out of joint, became upon it lame in that part, but as to all things else he was sound and strong enough; when he had tried for some time several kinds of Topick Remedies, and they effecting nothing; at length, by the counsel of a Physician, go∣ing to the Bath, he began to try the temperateBaths, by the use of which growing pre∣sently worse, and beginning immediately to have a Palsie in his other Members, he had abstained from them, but that the Physician, then present, promising him that he should afterwards be better, exhorted him to persist; wherefore he again enter'd in∣to the Bath, for about thirty days, until at length all his lower members, to wit, from the Os saerum to his Feet, being wholly loosened, withered away; besides in his Breast was excited a very great difficulty of breathing, and as it were Asthmatical: For that his breast was not able to be dilated sufficiently, by introducing the breath deep∣ly, the Mus•…•…les dedicated to respiration being as it seems also affected with the Palsie; wherefore growing short-winded, he laboured with a continual endeavour of those parts, and with an agitation of the whole Thorax. In this condition leaving the Bath, he was bid by his Physician, to abstain for a whole month from any Remedies taken

from Medicine; which when he had strictly observed, out of hope to grow well a∣gain, that time being elapsed, it was then too late to deliberate on the use of any Medicines; for besides his Paralytick and withered members, his belly swell'd, hls breathing was yet more hard and troublesome, that he could now scarely draw breath: His Pulse was very weak, and upon any motion of his Body, he had frequent swoon∣ings away, and loss of Spirits: Hence, as there was scarce any place left for purg∣ing, Cordials and Antiparalytick Remedies were only to be insisted on, but notwith∣standing the use of which, this sick man, within a fortnights time, labouring for ma∣ny hours under a Dyspnoe or want of breath, at length expired. The immediate cause of whose Death I suspect to have been the manifold concretions of the blood in the Heart; for when the motion of the Praecordia for a long time was very much hin∣dred, there seems nothing more probable, than that these kind of gobbets as it were fleshy, should increase within the Ventricles of the Heart.

For the illustrating of the Theory of the Palsie, a little more, and also of the Le∣thargy and Carus, I shall add this other example, with Anatomical observations; which happened whilst the former were in the Press.

A little one a little above three years old, of a moist or humid Brain, as appeared * 1.98 by most grievous sore Eyes, and the watry whelks or pustles of the face, to which it was sometimes obnoxious; falling ill about the beginning of Autumn, with a slow Feavour, and lost Appetite, it became very torpid and sleepy, so that it would sleep almost continually day and night; but being awake, he knew those standing about him, and answered very aptly to their Questions. To this Child, fit Remedies being presently and diligently given, viz. Clysters, Blistering Plasters, Purges, also Juleps, Spirits of Harts-horn, Powders, with many others used in these cases, they prevail∣ed so much, that within fix or seven days the sick Child being free from its Feavour, waking enough, and desiring Food, seemed to grow well, and to have scarce any more need of a Physician: But in a short time after (by what occasion uncertain) fal∣ling into a relapse, and again sleepy, was presently seised with a most grievous stupefaction, so that it was hardly to be awakened, and scarce knew any one, or what it did it self; the next day being plainly stupid, though being strongly pulled, it did open its Eyes, it would roll them about hither and thither, and saw nothing; but within a day or two, a Palsie follow'd in its whole right side. The former Re∣medies were repeated, and besides sneezing Medicines, chawing Medicines to draw down Rheum by the mouth, a taking away of Blood, with Poultisses applied to the Feet, and all its Head being shaven, drawing Plasters were put all over its Head, with other Medicines, and ways of administrations prescribed in order, nothing profited, but that this sick Child, after its lying so insensible for four or five days, at length its breath and Pul•…•…e failing, dyed.

Its dead Body being opened, we found almost all things sound enough in the low∣er and middle bellies, (i. e. in the Belly and Breast) unless that in the right Kidney, a whitish mattery Humor, or as it were a thin Corruption, had begun to be heaped together, which plentifully flowed forth out of some parts of the Kidney being dis∣sected and squeezed together: This did seem to have been the beginning, or a certain rudiment of a future Imposthum, and perhaps by reason of the Serum not sufficiently separated here, its greater plenty had slowed to the Brain.

For the top of the Skull being taken away, the anterior region of the Head, almost to the insertion of the fourth bosom, swelled up, being covered with clear water, shining thorow the Membranes, which presently flowed forth, when the Meninges were dissected: Further, in this place, portions of the Brain being by pieces cut off, appeared too wet, and without any red or bloody pricks: but in the hinder border of the Brain the Vessels were red with blood, and the Cortical substance appeared without tumor, or deluge of water, more close and firm: From these (as we have affirmed before) it manifestly appeared, that the cause of the Lethargy did depend upon the watry flood, or as it were Anasarca or Dropsie of the outward part of the Brain.

The Brain being cut piece-meal, and an hole made in the anterior cavity, disten∣ded by the water, the clear water being before as it were penned up, within a more narrow space, leaped forth, a great plenty of which had filled all the Ventricles to the top, and (as it seems) by compressing the Optick chambers, (as in the other case above described) brought in blindness, and by entring or pressing together one of the Streaked Bodies, or its Pores, caused the Palsie.

The Choroeidal Infoldings appeared as it were half boiled, whitish, and almost without blood. It is probable, that the water did flow forth of these Vessels, by which the Ventricles of the Brain were overflown, all, or at least the greatest part

of it; although in this case, if (as some think) the watry Latex or Humor sliding down lower from the shelly part of the Brain, the Brain being at length thorowly passed thorow, did rain down into these bosoms, we may from thence aptly fetch a reason, wherefore the Lethargy at first thought to be cured, returned afterwards more cruel, accompanied with blindness and the Palsie; to wit, because at first the stock of the sleepy matter falling down, from the shelly part of the Brain, into its cavity, the animal function was a little cleared; but afterwards, when new matter sprung up in the Cortex of the Brain, and this sliding forward into its bosom, was heaped up to a fulness, for that reason happened the relapse of the former Disease, with those companions of blindness and the Palsie.

But although the Dropsie of the interior Brain, or the inundation of its Ventri∣cles, by compressing either the Streaked Bodies, or the optick chambers, raised up the Palsie or blindness, or by pulling the beginnings of the Nerves, the Convulsive Di∣stempers; yet it appears most evidently by our late Anatomical observation, that the Lethargy did not arise from any such cause, but only from the exterior part of the Brain being overflowed, or pressed together.

A certain Gentleman a long time unhealthy, after he had laboured almost for five months with the Colick, or rather with a wandring Scorbutical Gout, in which not only the Viscera and Loins were troubled with great torments; but moreover the Membranes and Muscles of the whole Body, were almost continually tormented; and at length he suffered sometimes most horrid Convulsions in his Members, some∣times resolutions, and sometimes a Phrensie in his Head, and sometimes as it were Apoplectical fits, or a darkness in his Eyes, so that being worn out, his strength and spirits wholly exhausted, he dyed. Almost seven days (except the last but one) before he dyed, being more strong as to his Sense and Intellect, he lived almost per∣petually without sleep; though gentle or the more strong Opiates were given him, yet he could not sleep at all. A little before this waking, from a Vesicatory applied to the hinder part of his Neck, an immense quantity of water flowed; and from that time even till he dyed, it still flowed forth; hence, as I suspect, he became so waking by reason of the watry humor being so greatly drawn away from the Brain.

The head of this dead Man being opened, the interior cavities of the Brain, or all the Ventricles being filled to the top with clear water, appeared as if they were distended; yea the medullary cord it self, about the top of the Back-bone, seemed to be drowned and compassed about with water laid up there. Without doubt, for this reason, the Pains and Convulsions so cruelly tormented him in his Loins, Members, and all over his Body; and by reason of the deluge in the Ventricles, he became obnoxious to blindness of his sight, and to frequent loosenings of his limbs: Nevertheless, hence no Lethargy, but a waking was induced, by reason of the waters being so much derived from the compass of the Brain by the Blistering Plasters. He had also a Dropsie in his Breast, by reason of his Lungs being much vitiated. His Liver appeared of a mighty bulk, besprinkled every where with white spots; and al∣most without blood: so that to these faults of the Viscera, the vices of the Blood and nervous juice ought in some measure to be ascribed.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The middle of the Brain, which is the Seat of the A∣poplexy in also the Seat of the Epilepsy.
• * 1.2

  The streaked Bodies, the Me∣dullar Trunks, and the Nerves, are the Seat of the Palsy.
• * 1.3

  What the Palsie is.
• * 1.4

  Its Conjunct Causes are, Ob∣struction of the passages, and the Impotency of the Spirits.
• * 1.5

  In the Palsie ei∣ther motion, or sense only, or both together, is hurt.
• * 1.6

  Spontaneous motion is abo∣lished by rea∣son of the ways being obstruct∣ed, either in their begin∣nings, or the middlepassages, or about the, ends.
• * 1.7

  The ways are obstructed by Impletion, or Compression, or by a breaking of the Unity.
• * 1.8

  An obstruction in the streaked Bodies causes the Universal Pal∣sie, or the Palsie of one side.
• * 1.9

  Why sense is not hindred as well as motion in e∣very Palsie.
• * 1.10

  In an universal Palsie why all the Muscles of the Eyes and Face are not loosned.
• * 1.11

  A Compression of the streaked Body sometimes stirs up the Pal∣sie.
• * 1.12

  A Paralytick obstruction doth sometimes hap∣pen in the Ob∣long and Spi∣nal Marrow.
• * 1.13

  A Palsie often succeeds stupi∣dity, or becom∣ing foolish.
• * 1.14

  A Palsie some∣times from the pressing together of the Marrowy Cord.
• * 1.15

  Sometimes from the unity being broke.
• * 1.16

  The Seat of the Palsie sometimes in the Nerves themselves, which are ei∣ther obstructed, or compressed, or the unity bro∣ken.
• * 1.17

  1. An Obstru∣ction.
• * 1.18

  Sometimes in the beginning of the Nerves.
• * 1.19

  2. Sometimes in the middle.
• * 1.20

  3. Or in their utmost processes. The other con∣junct cause of the Palsie, to wit, the impo∣tency of the Spirits;
• * 1.21

  Often arises from narcotick or vitriolick Particles, by which the Spi∣rits are put to flight.
• * 1.22

  In every Palsie the matter is not so thick or cold, as it is vitriolick or o∣ther ways infe∣stous to the Spirits.
• * 1.23

  The blasting or withering in Trees like the Palsie.
• * 1.24

  The more re∣mote foregoing causes of the Palsy, which are two:
• * 1.25

  1. More remote, to wit, a vici∣ous Blood, and for that reason pouring sorth a deadly matter upon the head.
• * 1.26

  2. Nearer, to wit, a weak and loose Brain, admiting the evil Particles. The Palsy is ei∣ther a primary Distemper, and a Disease of it self;
• * 1.27

  Or secondarily, viz. Coming up∣on or succeeding other Diseases.
• * 1.28

  Wherefore the Palsie often suc∣ceeds Convul∣sive Diseases.
• * 1.29

  Wherefore the Distemper of the Colick.
• * 1.30

  3. Wherefore the Gout.
• * 1.31

  The evident Causes of the ha∣bitual Palsie.
• * 1.32

  •…•…ant or paucity of Spirits of tentimes the Cause of the Spurious or Ba∣stard Palsy.
• * 1.33

  For this Reason Old Men are obnoxious to this Disease.
• * 1.34

  2. Also Scorbu∣tical Persons, and such as are full of ill hu∣mours.
• * 1.35

  3. Also others long sick.
• * 1.36

  Hence some dare not venture on local motion.
• * 1.37

  Others endea∣vouring, cannot bear them long.
• * 1.38

  The Impotency of the Spirits pro∣ceeds in some measure from the default of the explosive Copula.
• * 1.39

  2. The kind of Palsy, in which Motion and Sense are hurt at once.
• * 1.40

  3. Kind, in which sense on∣ly is affected.
• * 1.41

  Wherefore seel∣ing is sometimes lost, and moti∣on safe.
• * 1.42

  What is the pro∣per Organ of feeling.
• * 1.43

  The Prognostick of the palsy.
• * 1.44

  Its Cure.
• * 1.45

  Three means of healing, accor∣ding to which this Disease is, 1. Either acci∣dental; 2. The off-spring of a∣nother Disease; 3. Habitual.
• * 1.46

  1. The Cure of the former.
• * 1.47

  A Powder for a Fall.
• * 1.48

  Topicks to be applyed to the Distempered part.
• * 1.49

  2. How the Palsie coming upon another Disease is to be cured.
• * 1.50

  The Cure of the habitual Palsie.
• * 1.51

  Whilst it is in fieri, or doing.
• * 1.52

  The Intentions of healing re∣spect the Blood and the Brain.
• * 1.53

  Bloodletting.
• * 1.54

  A Purge.
• * 1.55

  Cephalick Re∣medies.
• * 1.56

  2. How the Disease in ha∣bit is to be cu∣red.
• * 1.57

  Bloodletting and Purging cautiously and rarely to be ad∣mitted.
• * 1.58

  Altering Me∣dicines ought to be given with choice.
• * 1.59

  How the Palsy is to be •…•…ealed in a cold tem∣perament.
• * 1.60

  Electuary.
• * 1.61

  Co•…•….
• * 1.62

  A Decoction.
• * 1.63

  Spirits.
• * 1.64

  A Distilled wa∣ter.
• * 1.65

  Tinctures and Elixirs.
• * 1.66

  Powders.
• * 1.67

  Lozenges.
• * 1.68

  Pills.
• * 1.69

  How the Chole∣rick or hot Pal∣sie is to be cured.
• * 1.70

  An Electuary.
• * 1.71

  A Distilled Wa∣ter.
• * 1.72

  Chalybeats or Steeled Medi∣cines.
• * 1.73

  A Decoction.
• * 1.74

  The juice and expressions of Herbs.
• * 1.75

  Pills.
• * 1.76

  Topick and par∣ticular Reme∣dies.
• * 1.77

  Universal Re∣medies.
• * 1.78

  1. Diaphore∣ticks.
• * 1.79

  They are not to be administred indifferently to all.
• * 1.80

  They often hurt the Cholerick.
• * 1.81

  Sweating Me∣dicines.
• * 1.82

  Stoves, Baths, Natural Baths.
• * 1.83

  When the use of Baths is hurt∣ful in the Palsie.
• * 1.84

  Salivation.
• * 1.85

  Vomitories.
• * 1.86

  Histories and Examples of Paralyticks.
• * 1.87

  The Example of the Palsie habi∣tual, excited of it self.
• * 1.88

  The first History.
• * 1.89

  The Reason of it.
• * 1.90

  The second Hi∣story more rare and notable.
• * 1.91

  An Anatomic•…•… Observation, b•…•… which the Ca•…•… is explained.
• * 1.92

  The third Hi∣story.
• * 1.93

  The Reason of this.
• * 1.94

  The fourth Hi∣story.
• * 1.95

  The Cure expo∣posed.
• * 1.96

  The Reason of it.
• * 1.97

  The fifth Histo∣ry, shewing when the Baths are hurtful.
• * 1.98

  An Example of the Palsie from a Lethargy.